Murray House Dinner Dance Honors Those who Inspire

On Sunday, February 17th,  Catholic Charities, DPD held their 49th Annual Murray House Dinner Dance at The Brownstone in Paterson.

430 people attended this event, making it one of the largest Murray House Dinner Dances ever.

Photo Gallery - 49th Annual Murray House Dinner Dance

Murray House is one of DPD's 12 residential programs located in Clifton. Murray House is the longest running group home in the state of New Jersey serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Five people call this house "home". Murray House opened in 1971 in Paterson and was a pioneer program in the State of New Jersey. The home is named after Jimmie Murray. Jimmie was a vibrant young man with disabilities who passed away at the age of 18, right around the time when this program was built. Jimmie's siblings, nieces, nephews and extended family members continue to stay active with our agency after all of these years.

The Murray House Dinner Dance is one of Catholic Charities biggest events of the year. It is a beautiful night to recognize people with special needs and those who make a difference in their lives.

This year, DPD honored Father Matthew Twiggs, Pastor of St. John Vianney Parish (Stockholm) and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish (Oak Ridge), as Person of the Year. For years, Father Twiggs has selflessly given to DPD; motivating parishioners to contribute to DPD's Christmas Giving Tree, hosting events for DPD in his parish halls and leading the DPD Family in prayer at nearly all of their events.  He is selfless, kind and loving. 

Father Twiggs was presented with the Person of the Year Award by Father Jhon Madird, past DPD Board Member.  A lifelong Green Bay Packers Fan, Father Twiggs was also surprised with an autographed letter from Green Bay Packers CEO Mark Murphy and a congratulatory video message from NFL Hall of Famer Bret Favre.  In addition, Father Twiggs was presented with a Mayoral Proclamation from Jefferson Township Mayor Eric Wilsusen. 

The Paterson Police Department were honored as DPD's Public Servants of the Year. Sen. Kristin M. Corrado , NJ State Senator from Legislative District 40 presented the award on behalf of DPD. Murray House had its beginnings in Paterson, and Catholic Charities' Straight and Narrow and CFCS are based out of Paterson.  The Paterson Police Department have always responded to any situations at these programs  with diligence and professionalism.

The Marilyn Murray Keenan Inspiration Award is named after our dear friend Marilyn Murray Keenan, who had been involved with DPD for over 40 years until her untimely passing in 2007. Volunteering and living out the Catholic Social Teaching of ‘caring for the poor and vulnerable’ was at the very heart of who Marilyn was.  Marilyn's daughter, Katie Keenan, and Marilyn's grandson James, presented the Award to Steve Binder. Steve, and his therapy dog, Bella, kindly donate their time to DPD's group homes, sharing love, hugs, and happiness with the individuals who live at DPD. 

Gruenert Center Employee Frank Amantea received the Employee of the Year award, presented by DPD Executive Director, Joanna Miller.  Frank received a standing ovation, after Joanna read quotes from Gruenert Center staff and clients who spoke about how much Frank means to DPD. 

Joanna later presented the Frank X. Graves Award to Anthony Iovine. Anthony has lived at DPD for over 25 years.  Anthony has slowed a bit in recent years, but his heart is as strong as ever.  Anthony, who lives at Walsh House and works at Gruenert Center is a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, Fight for the Right Group, and is the heart of DPD's Wiegand Farm Golf Classic.   At this event, one of the largest golf outings in the country, Anthony hosts the "Win a Watch from Anthony" Contest, greeting golfers with a warm smile.  Anthony will go on to be DPD’s representative at the New Jersey Association of Community Providers - Community STARS Dinner in April.

“For many, the best part of the evening is the presentation Jim and Kit Murray Outstanding Achievement Awards, to the individuals who live in our programs. Annually, this is the heart of this great event”, said Chris Brancato Catholic Charities Development Director. The awards are named after Jim and Kit Murray honor of the late Patriarch and Matriarch of the Murray Family.  The awards were presented by DPD's Director of Quality Pam Van Eck.  Kelly from Wallace House, Sean from Kelleher Apartments, Mary from Wehrlen House and Nate from our Support Coordination Program received these awards. housemates.

The evening concluded with a closing pray from Catholic Charities, Board President, Monsignor Herbert Tillyer.  Prior to the prayer he issued a challenge to the DPD Family: to pack the Brownstone with 750-1,000 guests for the Murray House Dinner Dance's 50th Anniversary Celebration to be held on February 16th 2020.   

Thank you to all of our Sponsors; including our Gold Sponsors who made this event possible: The Murray Family, Peter Murphy, Allied Printing and Graphics and Liberty Capital Group, Butler.

“We would like to thank everyone who made this memorable event possible”, said Joanna Miller, Executive Director of DPD. “Tommy Manzo and the Brownstone provided wonderful service. Our sponsors, donors, and Catholic Charities Board of Trustees helped raise needed funds for DPD and covered the cost of all of the people who we serve to attend. We thank Bishop Serratelli and the Chancery of the Diocese of Paterson enough for their continuous guidance and support. Finally, we could not have made the evening a success without the Murray Family. For over 50 years they have made a difference in the lives of adults with special needs. The Murray Family is truly part of the DPD Family.”